It has been confirmed this morning that the Mobile cath-lab at University Hospital Waterford is to stay in place.
The mobile lab has been at UHW since the 1st of October and has carried out more than 470 diagnostic angiograms since then.
Waterford Minister of State John Halligan together with the other Oirechtas members from Waterford and the South East have been lobbying to keep the lab in place.
It was due to be removed next week.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar indicated in the Dail on Tuesday that there was a strong case to keep the mobile cath-lab. He said: "It does seem that the second mobile cath-lab does produce results and reduce waiting times for patients who need cardiac procedures.
"It would seem to me that there is a strong case to keep it in place, while the review on the location of cath-labs across the country is taking place."
Minister for Health Simon Harris told Minister Halligan this morning that it will be kept pending the national review of cardiology services.
It's believed the mobile cath-lab will remain in place for another 20 weeks.
Minister Halligan said: "Following numerous meetings with Waterford Oireachtas members, Minister Simon Harris has agreed that the mobile lab will remain at UHW to prevent another backlog of the waiting list", Minister Halligan commented. "I should stress that this is an interim measure and is by no means a substitute for a second permanent cath lab in the long term. However it is welcome news for the hundreds of patients who will require an angiogram at UHW this year."
"Waterford Oireachtas members are committed to working together towards a permanent second cath lab and 24/7 cardiac care at UHW and we have a further meeting with Minister Harris next Wednesday to discuss the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services, which will include elective as well as urgent and emergency treatment of cardiac disease. Workings and data from the mobile lab will be fed into the National Review and I believe its impact on waiting lists already points to the demand for a second, permanent lab at UHW."
